Sealers and Waterproofers
Sealers and waterproofers are designed to protect wood and concrete surfaces. They're used on exterior porches, patios, decks, driveways and sidewalks. But they're also great for interior spaces such as garage floors and basements that are exposed to chemicals and moisture.
What's the Different Between a Sealer and a Waterproofer?
Sealers and waterproofers perform similar functions, but they differ slightly in how they work. A wood or concrete sealer will protect the surface. Waterproofers are more durable than sealants because they penetrate the surface, filling in leaks or gaps.
Benefits of Using a Concrete Sealer
Concrete is a strong and durable surface that's used on driveways, sidewalks, pool decks, porches, patios, garages, basements and more. By using a concrete sealer or waterproofer, it'll preserve the look and life of the surface. Sealed concrete can last up to ten times longer than an unsealed concrete surface.
A good sealer will also help to:
- prevent damage from the elements including ice melt and freeze-thaw damage
- prevent moisture absorption
- prevent staining, cracking, spalling and pittting
It's important to select the right sealer or waterproofer for your particular job. We'll explain the different types to use for a long-lasting and attractive finish.
New Concrete
Concrete should be at least a month old before applying sealer.
Does the concrete already have sealer?
Pour a glass of water on it. If it beads up, there's sealer on it. If the water seeps into the concrete, then it's ok to apply sealer.
Types of Concrete Sealers
Water-Based Sealers
These sealers (silane, siloxane, and siliconates) are the easiest to apply, using a garden sprayer, brush or paint roller. They cure quickly and will protect the surface from salt, ice melt and freeze-thaw damage. They also reduce pitting, cracking and spalling. Water-based sealers aren't slippery when they're wet or cold. If you prefer natural concrete, they're ideal because they don't change the look of the surface. Water-based sealers also have low-VOC, meaning they're low-odor and the most environmentally friendly of all sealers or waterproofers. They also last the longest, averaging 10 years before reapplication.
Recommended for: driveways, sidewalks, pool decks, basements, garages , stucco and chimneys
Epoxy Sealers
Epoxy concrete sealers add a thick protective coating that performs well in area like garages, shop floors and basements that are exposed to chemicals, hot tire pick-up and heavy equipment. Epoxy creates a hard long-lasting finish that's strong and highly durable. Epoxy sealers are abrasion-resistant and come in transparent or solid-colors. Epoxy sealers last approximately 5-10 years.
Recommended for: shop floors, garage, basement floors, horizontal concrete surfaces
Acrylic Sealers
Acrylic sealers and waterproofers are an affordable option that protect the surface against water absorption. They're easy to apply and UV-resistant, so the surface won't yellow. Water-based formulas are low-gloss and low VOC, so they're the environmentally-friendly option. Solvent-based formulas come in a high-gloss finish. Acrylic sealers and waterproofers dry quickly and the finish lasts between 1-5 years before it needs to be reapplied.
Recommended for: driveways, pool decks, sidewalks, patios and stamped concrete
Would you like to do this project? Learn how to seal concrete.
Concrete Sealer Colors & Transparency
Color
If you're using a concrete stain and sealer, it will come in pre-tinted or tintable stains. Choose from hundreds of colors to suit any garage, sidewalk, driveway or patio. The most popular colors are clear, brown, black, white and gray.
Transparency
Most exterior concrete sealers come in a transparent finish. But there are also solid-colored concrete sealers that are tintable.
Benefits of Using Wood Sealer
If you've recently added a wood deck, porch or patio to your home (or it's time to refinish your existing one), you'll need protect it from the sun and inclement weather.
Wood sealers and waterproofers:
- provide a protective barrier to prevent water damage
- prevent wood from splitting, warping and peeling
- protect wood surfaces from harsh UV rays
- provides an algae, mold and mildew-resistant finish
Types of Exterior Wood Sealers
There are three types of exterior stains and sealers. We'll explain the benefits of each type.
Water-based
Water-based sealers (sometimes called acrylic) are tintable, so there are hundreds of color options. They also dry quickly and have less odor. Use soap and water for easy cleanup.
Oil-based
Oil-based products (sometimes called alkyd) penetrate the wood deeper than water-based sealers and enhance the look of the woodgrain. Drying times are longer, but it's easier to blend which avoids brush marks and streaking.
Oil-modified
Oil-modified stains are a combination of water-and-oil-based products, so they offer the best of both worlds. The sealer penetrates deep into the wood, while offering easy cleanup with soap and water.
New Wood
New wood should be at least a month old before sealing it.
Do a Test
If you're unsure if the wood has sealer already, pour a glass of water on it. If the water beads up, it has sealer. If the water absorbs into the wood, it's time to seal it.
Wood Sealer Colors & Finishes
Clear
Clear sealers protect the wood from moisture, cracking or warping. They often include UV protection, as well as mildew, mold and algae resistance. These products are clear, so it shows off the wood's natural beauty. Clear sealers are ideal for new wood.
Transparent
Transparent sealers provide more protection that clear sealers. They have a light tint that accents that color and grain of the wood. Use transparent sealers on new wood.
Semi-transparent
Semi-transparent sealers have more color, but the woodgrain still shows through. These sealers offer greater UV protection than transparent products. Use semitransparent sealers for a deck or patio that needs a refresh and the wood is in good shape.
Semi-solid
Semi-solid sealers have more pigmentation, concealing more of the woodgrain. These stains and sealers work best on older wood.
Solid
If the wood is weathered or you're looking for a new look, consider solid sealers. Solid sealers hide the woodgrain. They have the consistency of paint, lasting the longest while providing rich color. Consider solid sealers for outdoor furniture and fencing.